Doylestown Health Busts Prostate Cancer Myths

Setting the Record Straight About Prostate Cancer

For many men, prostate cancer is a taboo topic. However, as the second most common cancer among men in the United States, it’s an important topic. Doylestown Health urologist Albert Ruenes, MD, sets the record straight on a number of prostate cancer myths.

Myth #1 Prostate Cancer always has symptoms. FALSE

The vast majority of men we diagnose with prostate cancer in our practice have no symptoms. If a man is symptomatic, it’s generally a sign that the cancer is locally advanced and probably beyond the extent of the prostate itself. Men should follow the recommended guidance from the American Cancer Association when it comes to prostate screenings.

Myth #2 Prostate Cancer only develops in elderly men. FALSE

The most aggressive forms of prostate cancer occur in younger men. In our practice, we recommend that men over the age of 50 have a discussion with their health care provider about screening for prostate cancer. If men have a strong family history of prostate cancer, or if they are African American, we suggest they start that discussion at age 45. At Doylestown Health, we do treat men in their late forties and early fifties for prostate cancer.

Myth #3 Prostate Cancer will always cause erectile dysfunction. FALSE

Many men are concerned about the effect radiation therapy or surgical removal of the prostate will have on their urinary habits and sexual function. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid those potential hazards of treatment, particularly if prostate cancer is caught early. Those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier generally have better outcomes and experience fewer significant side effects of treatment.

Myth #4 Prostate Cancer is only a concern if you have a family history. FALSE

One in seven men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. It’s the male equivalent of breast cancer. While family history may increase your risk, it is not the only risk factor. The general population should be screened according to the recommendations.

Myth #5 An enlarged prostate is always the result of cancer. FALSE

Prostate enlargement, or a condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy, is independent of prostate cancer. Prostate size has no bearing on the probability of a prostate being malignant or benign.

Myth #6 The PSA screening is the definitive test used to diagnose prostate cancer. FALSE

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), is a blood test that looks for a tumor marker specific to the prostate. Although it is the best screening blood test available, it’s not always abnormal in the presence of cancer. Many men who have an elevated PSA will never have prostate cancer, and some men have prostate cancer despite having a normal PSA. PSA is an important part of the evaluation, but its value is greatly increased if your physician has a history of your PSAs over time. That’s why early screening is important, enabling your physician to establish a trend of results and look for abnormalities.

Myth #7 Prostate cancer always requires immediate treatment. FALSE

Once the diagnosis of prostate cancer is established by biopsy, we gain information about how aggressive it is. Not every man’s prostate cancer is the same. Some men have very slow-growing cancers we characterize as low-risk. In many cases, low-risk prostate cancer can be surveilled through close monitoring, and doesn’t require treatment.

Men with an average risk of prostate cancer who are contemplating therapy often have several months to research options, obtain second opinions, and then develop their care plan, which can include a combination of therapies. Only the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer require urgent treatment.

Meet the Provider

Albert Ruenes, MD, is a Board-certified urologist with Doylestown Health. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range or urologic conditions, including prostate cancer.